RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. — A North Carolina sheriff was found dead at his home on Thursday, according to the department. The cause of death has not been immediately determined.
Richmond County, North Carolina reported that Sheriff James Clemmons was discovered dead in his home, according to WCNC. Further details were not revealed.
Clemmons joined the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in 1989, the department website says. He worked his way up the ranks and became a major from 2002. He was elected sheriff in 2010. He was the first person of color to be elected sheriff in the history of Richmond County, WCNC reported.
In 2020, he was sworn in as a member of the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement under the Trump Administration, helping to explore modern issues impacting police work.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend, Sheriff James ‘Clem’ Clemmons, who passed away unexpectedly while at home this morning,” the agency wrote on Facebook. “We will all miss him more than any words can express. He was not just our co-worker, but a great friend to all and an awesome leader in our Community.”
During his tenure as sheriff, Clemmons previously served as president of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, journalist Richard DeVayne tweeted.
Richmond Co. Sheriff James Clemmons Jr. found dead in his home this morning. Clemmons was former Pres. of NC sheriff’s association. #breaking #wcnc #richmond #rso #rockingham pic.twitter.com/hSmWdglT6f
— Richard DeVayne (@devayneTV) August 5, 2021
